Grace at the Garbage Dump

"One part travelogue, one part coming-of-age story, one part spiritual autobiography, and one part reflections on poverty and what it means to help and be helped by those in need, Grace at the Garbage Dump introduces us all to Jesse Zink--talented as a writer, honest as a Christian thinker, and smart as an activist--exactly the kind of voice we need."

--Brian McLaren

Author of A Generous Orthodoxy



"Jesse is well placed to reflect and write on the missional challenges in a context that looks and feels God-forsaken. We, however, know that there is no such place untouched by the grace of God. Yet the missional challenges in this part of Mthatha make hope dim."

--Thabo Makgoba

Archbishop of Cape Town, primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa



"Grace at the Garbage Dump adds a vital young voice to the vocation of Christian mission and illustrates the life-changing power of a ministry of presence. Jesse's willingness to be vulnerable and stand in unfamiliar terrain surrounded by the swirl of an alien language and situation is a witness to the courage born of faith and testifies to the truth that God throws no one away. All people, whether their homes are in a mansion or on a mountain of trash, are precious to God."

--Mpho Tutu

Director of the Tutu Institute for Prayer & Pilgrimage, author with Desmond Tutu of Made for Goodness



"Jesse is an articulate, passionate, and sophisticated young scholar and activist for God's global mission of restoration and reconciliation, who brings a unique and refreshing perspective to the realities and study of Christian mission in the world today. I can think of no more exciting study of Christian mission than Jesse's book. It is a welcome resource to the many people who are looking for a meaningful and contemporary presentation of what God is up to in the world today."

--Ian Douglas

Episcopal bishop of Connecticut, former Angus Dun Professor of Mission and World Christianity, Episcopal Divinity School



"Grace at the Garbage Dump is a vivid and honest journey of exploration and spiritual depth. It is a heartfelt glimpse into what it means to cross a border, leave a comfort zone, and reach into the lives of others. Living in the midst of such vulnerability, Jesse Zink gives voice to beauty, despair, joy, and sorrow. What emerges is full of dignity, life, and meaning."

--Paul-Gordon Chandler

Episcopal priest, interfaith advocate, and author of Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road